Fabian Cancellara has issued a challenge to the world’s amateur cyclists: “see if you can beat me”.

The Swiss former professional rider has announced a series of three ‘Chasing Cancellara’ events in his home nation, where members of the public try and out-ride the Classics legend over a 10-15km route.

“The race of your life,” says the official event website. “Race against the Champion and try to overtake and beat him! How strong is #Spartacus still after his retirement?”

Riders can register online, with the first 100 of the 333 maximum to register getting automatic entry and the remaining participants chosen at random via a draw.

The events take place in Andermatt (June 25), Aigle to Villar-sur-Ollon (September 10) and Lugano (September 23). All three events are run on closed roads and finish with a post-race pasta party as part of the entry fee, which start at CHF 79 (£61.73 at time of writing).

A VIP Experience package is also available, which includes a 50-100km ride with Cancellara and evening dinner with him. More information is available via the Chasing Cancellara website.

Cancellara enjoyed a highly successful 15-year career as a professional rider before retiring at the end of last season. He was time trial world champion on four occasions, won seven stages of the Tour de France, won Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders on three occasions each, and was Olympic time trial champion in 2008 and 2016. Plus many more victories.